10 Home Buying Tips for Seniors

Florida is a magnificent place for seniors and retirees to buy and sell homes.  As real estate professionals, we work to make the entire process as easy and seamless as possible for our customers: from snowbirds looking for beachfront condominiums to year-round Florida residents searching for pool homes in our great golfing communities.

Here are 10 easy tips for finding and buying a home during your senior years.

1. Leverage the help of a professional realtor to navigate your buying process and negotiate the best price.  He or she can also help sell your current property.
2. Ask your realtor to align you with financial experts, brokers, or a VA loan specialist if you are veteran. He or she will help determine your budget for home buying.
3. Lighten your load by donating unneeded furniture, old appliances, or past-their-prime clothing.  Downsizing will open up new options and a wider selection of homes.
4. Fatten your wallet by organizing a garage sale or enlist a professional to help you with an auction or estate sale. The funds you earn could help with a future down payment.
5. Choose your ideal neighborhood. Check out walkable communities that allow you to enjoy our beautiful weather. Places like Hyde Park and Dunedin are prime considerations.
6. If you’re new to our area, consider an affordable 55-and-over community, many of which offer recreational activities and community events to help you make new friends.
7. Opt for the convenience of a condominium or townhouse with a homeowner association. HOA benefits often include landscaping, pool, and lawn maintenance services.
8. Consider homes without stairs. Many retirees and snowbirds opt for the ease and accessibility of first-floor condos, buildings with elevators, or one-story homes.
9. Check for safety features such as properly installed locks, working fire and carbon monoxide detectors, mounted grab bars in toilet and shower areas, and adequate lighting.
10. Keep watch for move-in-ready homes. A home needing renovations or repairs may have a lower sales price, but costly updates and maintenance issues can add up quickly on a fixed income.

We hope these tips help you find a dream home to meet all of your needs and desires during your golden years. Our real estate team specializes in helping Florida seniors prepare for downsizing or moving between homes.  We also enjoy helping connect our customers with other experts in home and family matters. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.